Stem key to advancing women's equality

05 Oct 2016

The Women in NSW 2016 Education and Learning Report has revealed women are more likely than men to complete postgraduate degrees in STEM-related fields.

In 2015, 32.9 per cent of women’s postgraduate course completions were in a STEM-related field, compared to 30.7 per cent of men’s completions. However, a larger proportion of men’s undergraduate degrees were in STEM-related fields compared to women’s.

Women are continuing to lead the way in higher education, with more women than men completing both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

NSW Minister for Women Pru Goward said she was pleased to see females choosing to study postgraduate STEM courses (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), which can have a long-term impact on their economic success and independence.

“Careers reliant on the study of STEM subjects can earn women up to double the salaries of vocations women have traditionally pursued,” Ms Goward said.

“While the gender gap in graduate salaries is lower than what it was in 2012, male graduates are still earning on average $3000 a year more than female graduates.

“If we want to achieve gender equity and a more diverse workforce, we need to continue encouraging women and girls to study STEM subjects and work in industries reliant on these skills,” Ms Goward said.

While boys are still outperforming girls in NAPLAN numeracy tests, the gender gap in scores has decreased since 2013 and the difference is now marginal.

The report shows the gender gap in apprenticeships and traineeships has widened in recent years, with the proportion of female technical and trade trainees at a 10-year low.

“To witness a declining number of women in trades is disappointing. The NSW Government continues to maximise career choices for women and this includes encouraging women into male-dominated roles.

“We have seen significant success through our Investing in Women Funding Program, which contributes up to $25,000 for partnership projects which focus on girls’ and women’s participation in non-traditional trades,” Ms Goward said.

The report analyses numerous areas of women and girls education. It is the first of a series of four themed reports that Women NSW, a policy unit within NSW Health, will release over the coming year.

The Women in NSW reports have been published annually since 2012. The reports examine gender equity against indicators in five key areas including health and wellbeing, work and financial security, leadership, safety and justice and today’s forum topic, education and learning.